Libya’s Director of European Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Abu Bakr Ibrahim Al-Tawil, met on Monday with Owen Jenkins, the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office’s Director General for the Indo-Pacific, Middle East, and North Africa, at the ministry’s headquarters in Tripoli.
The discussions focused on strengthening bilateral relations and expanding cooperation across various fields to serve the mutual interests of both nations. Al-Tawil stressed the deep ties between Libya and the United Kingdom, praising London’s role in supporting the Libyan political process.
Jenkins commended the efforts of Libya’s Government of National Unity in promoting stability and comprehensive development, expressing the UK’s keenness to broaden areas of collaboration.
The meeting also addressed the possibility of resuming consular services at the British Embassy in Tripoli to facilitate visa issuance for Libyan citizens. Both sides discussed ongoing efforts to lift the ban on Libyan civil aviation, with Jenkins confirming that UK authorities are working diligently towards this goal.
In addition, the talks reviewed the outcomes of the recent visit by Britain’s Minister of State for the Middle East and North Africa, Hamish Falconer, to Libya, which resulted in several understandings aimed at enhancing bilateral cooperation.
Libya has been in chaos since a NATO-backed uprising toppled longtime leader Muammar Gaddafi in 2011. The county has for years been split between rival administrations.
Libya’s economy, heavily reliant on oil, has suffered due to the ongoing conflict. The instability has led to fluctuations in oil production and prices, impacting the global oil market and Libya’s economy.
The conflict has led to a significant humanitarian crisis in Libya, with thousands of people killed, and many more displaced. Migrants and refugees using Libya as a transit point to Europe have also faced dire conditions.
The planned elections for December 2021 were delayed due to disagreements over election laws and the eligibility of certain candidates. This delay has raised concerns about the feasibility of a peaceful political transition.
Despite the ceasefire, security remains a significant concern with sporadic fighting and the presence of mercenaries and foreign fighters. The unification of the military and the removal of foreign forces are crucial challenges.
